Truckin’ in Tulsa

The ABA posted the above photo to their Facebook page today–the pseudo-ceremonial first truckload of sacred BMX dirt onto the floor at the QuickTrip Center. From the position, it looks like this drop will end up being part of the pro set or second turn, when all 600 truckloads are on the ground.

We’ve heard it said that a master diamond cutter plans his first cut for days, even dreaming about the stone sitting there in the “dop,” waiting for the first cleave. We can’t help but think this is a similar condition for master track builder, Billy Allen, as the first brush stroke is placed on his multiacre concrete canvas.

A mere seven days from today, BMX News will hit the dusty trail to Tulsa Town. Be sure to keep it right here for as-they-happen updates from the infield and the pits.

ABA Releases 2012 National Schedule

Via BMXNOW.COM

The ABA released its 2012 National Schedule to Track Operators on Friday, ahead of an expected public announcement today. Not surprisingly, the schedule found its way on to Vintage just after 12 Noon, and the thread had 11,000 views and 181 replies by Monday morning.

This is the first opportunity the combined ABA/NBL organization has had to bring the long-time ABA and the newly-integrated NBL tracks into the same series.

The Track Operator memo, posted on Vintage, stated that while it was the initial expectation of the organization to run an ABA-branded leg and an NBL-branded leg of the series (utilizing the unique transfer system of each), those plans had been abandoned after it was clear track operators on both sides of the former aisle preferred the series run under one format and one flag. The ABA transfer system will be that format.

That said, the initial intent to have an “Eastern Division FInals” and a “Western Division Finals” has survived. Easterners will be in their familiar environs in Louisville for the “Bluegrass Nationals,” while Westerners will put all their chips on the Blackjack Nationals in Reno, per usual.

The Vintage thread is 13 pages long, and there is the expected dosage of complaining and protest over what areas of the country got shorted (Nor-Cal and the Northwest, being particularly vocal).

Classic NBL races that survived in the merger include Morristown, TN (the Volunteer Nationals, on March 2-4), and Pittsburgh/South Park’s “Stars & Stripes National” on July 6-8).

The Midwest Nationals will be shifted to July, from Father’s Day Weekend in June, due to a conflict with the US Olympic Trials in Chula Vista. That weekend, the Trials will be joined by the ABA US Open Nationals (traditionally run in September). No immediate confirmation on whether the National BMX Hall Of Fame dinner and ceremony will also be adjusted to fit the June schedule, but it seems likely.

March 30-April 1 will probably be the biggest weekend on the calendar, excluding the Grands. Four events, happening all in one weekend. If there was one “flyaway” weekend, where a trans-continental plane trip made sense, this would be it, so start saving.

The weekend features the So Cal Nationals on Friday and Sunday, the USAC Amateur National Championships on Saturday (World Championship qualifying for all in the semis), and the USAC Elite National Championships on Sunday (run on the SX track). Friday and Saturday will also feature the first UCI BMX Supercross World Cup of calendar 2012, on the newly-built London-replica track. WOW!

As the above graphic represents, the pins are well distributed on the map, and most people have at least three races in range, as well as the big “flyaway” races such as the Chula Vista race in March, and Louisville or Reno in September.

BMX News plans on covering at least 15 of the 2012 events, possibly more, via contributors (so if you have writing and photography skills and there is a race without a bullet point that you plan to attend, be sure to reach out to us). We have prepared a second PDF (linked below) that has our “scheduled to appear” coverage plan. Naturally, these plans are subject to change without notice.

Download a PDF of the 2012 USA BMX National Schedule

BMX News 2012 National Coverage Schedule

2012 USA BMX Schedule Discussion on VintageBMX.com

BMX Racing Products From Interbike 2011

Interbike is an annual Bike Industry tradition dating back to 1982. Of course, back then, there were also the Bicycle Dealer Showcase (BDS) shows in Long Beach and New York, and a host of regional shows, such as the Chicago Area Bicycle Dealers Association (CABDA) show.

It was an era when you could not see the newest and coolest stuff from the popular manufacturers unless you hit one of these shows–particularly Interbike, as its unique calendar positioning–in the fall- put it in the prime spot for dealers looking for the season-making trends leading into the Holiday buying rush.

Of course, with the Internet age, we can see the latest and greatest products literally minutes after they come off the CNC machine or out of the welding fixture for the first time. This puts a question mark on many people’s plans year after year, as to whether it is “worth it” to travel to a trade show, aside from the four days of socializing.

Notwithstanding the seemingly-valid argument on seeing the new products via Skype, that last point should not be minimized in any way. Business is done among the familiar, and the guy you shared a cab with on the way to the airport, or high-fived at the blackjack table (or other strictly “stays in Vegas” activities) could be tomorrow’s customer, partner or distributor.

In BMX racing, the need to attend the show could be seen as reduced even further by the fact that our segment of the industry is very tight-knit– when a manufacturer sneezes, a dealer on the other side of the country says “bless you.” Again, for all the above-mentioned reasons, even in the racing side of the biz, there are familiar faces at every turn.

For the Mountain Bike and Road Bike crowd, the show is a massively successful and well-attended event. The two days prior to the exhibit floor opening are devoted to the “Outdoor Demo” which takes place at Bootleg Canyon Mountain Bike Park in nearby Boulder City (a stone’s throw from the Boulder City BMX track–home of the Redline Cup Finals, West).

BMXNEWS returned to the aisles of the show this year, and brought back some choice morsels of new stuff you’ll be seeing on the bikes of the factory and well-informed in the coming months.

ANSWER BMX

John Sawyer and Ryan Birk welcomed customers and media into a private hospitality suite, where their plans for 2012 were discussed openly and freely, and with a “this is gonna be AWESOME” kind of energy. It’s remarkable that, only 12 months ago, a chance meeting on the way out of the show was what brought John into the then-ailing Answer BMX picture as its new owner. Barely 365 days later, it could not be a more different situation, and THAT is one of the wonders of the face-to-face business that is done at conferences like Interbike.

Historically, Answer’s line of components has been geared toward the younger racers (apart from its wildly-popular Scythe and now Dagger forks). For 2012, they are stepping up the game and expanding the line to include a bevy of options for the big guys.

Picture the above photo as including an outboard BB and a Rennen 44t chainring

The drawingboards in the Answer mission-control bunker were piled-high with possibilities for a pro-sized crank kit that had all the upgrades baked in. The goal was “making a crank that was just as light, just as stiff, and high-performance as a Shimano DXR or Saint,” and it was a core goal to differentiate the Answer offering from the several other brands that piled in with their own rendition, during the Answer development process. The result was a kit that features a ceramic-bearing bottom bracket and genuine, US-made 44t Rennen Chainring. They will offer a menu of sizes to suit all comers, with a 170, 172.5, 175, 177.5, 180 and a 182.5mm. Price point is still being penciled out, but look for it to be “sub-$400.” Finishes available will be black and white from the get-go.

As the big guy component line came to be, a headset was also among the items that was a must-have. The new Answer headset positions itself in the higher-strata of offerings from Cane Creek and some of the other “not Chris King” players. Colors will be Red, Blue, Black and Polished, and price point at about $49.

Along with the above, will be an Answer Pro stem. Innovation, again, takes center stage in the Answer line, with an included “spin-around” shim that allows you to extend or retract the reach on your controls by 5mm on the Mini and Pro sizes, and 2mm on the Pro XL. We love it when the inevitable condition of BMXers growing up is factored in to the design of parts, as it essentially gives you a national entry fee and some concession stand cash, just by turning that shim around! Available sizes: Mini (35-40mm), Pro (40-45mm) and Pro XL (50-57mm). As Henry Ford said: “You can have any color you want, as long as it’s black”…Available now for $67.95.

And finally, there will be an Answer brake set in both pro and mini sizes, with a cool-as-ice-cream lever. Watch BMX News “Product Spotlight” section for more on the stoppers, in the coming weeks.

STRENGTH BICYCLES

Along with his acquisition of the Answer BMX brand, John Sawyer also took possession of the Strength BMX brand (you may remember that name from the Luke Wilson/Bubba Harris era, as Bubba was aboard a Strength prototype during his most recent time in the Answer uniform).

John and Ryan are bringing Strength back to life for 2012, via an innovative frame constructed out of magnesium. You old schoolers will remember that magnesium has been used a few times in BMX racing’s history–most famously in the breakthrough Mongoose Motomags of the 1970s and 80s.

While doing some research into magnesium as a possible material for use in the Answer fork line at the Taipei Bike Show, Ryan spied some frame blueprints sitting on a side table. So began a six-month development cycle of prototyping and testing this largely-untested frame material. And from all appearances, they hit a rare tract of unexplored potential in BMX racing product evolution.

The Strength frame will be available in seven sizes (Micro-Mini to Pro XXL at launch, with a Pro Cruiser coming soon after), and will weigh in at right around two pounds for the larger sizes. Ryan added, not jokingly, that the micro and mini sizes will likely be as light or lighter than the carbon forks most riders would run with it. Price point is noted as “not cheap” (but the lightest, coolest stuff never is, right), but in line with top-line aluminum frames, at around $499 retail. They will also be offering the Strength frames as a kit, which will include the above-mentioned Answer headset and Dagger fork. On launch, the sole finish will be the pictured pearl white, with a broader palette probable down-range.

Ryan also clued us in about a later project of Strength complete bikes, with an aluminum frame.

YESS PRODUCTS

Canada puts the “North” in North America, and there are some sharp cookies up that way, with a budding BMX racing scene. Yess Products is one such cookie. Long an on-continent source for bike builders with a dream (their custom shop is a hotbed of two-wheeled-trickery in both MTB and BMX), Bill and Renny Husada brought their own house-made BMX racing frame design to market earlier this year. We’re starting to see more and more Yess frames under out-front crankers at nationals down here in the “Nifty-Fifty,” so the word is spreading fast! At Interbike, they were showing two of their latest.

The Yess frame comes in 10 Sizes (Mini, Junior, Expert, Pro-, Pro, ProXL, Pro XXL, Expert Cruiser, Pro Cruiser and XL Cruiser), with “Rider Area” lengths ranging from 18-22.5. On-site powder coating allows buyers to color their world in a wide range of finishes. Each and every one hand made, with pride, in British Columbia.

What is a killer frame without a killer fork. Yess is bringing the above expert fork to market, and is currently working to make some design refinements to the traditional Yess Pro-Sized fork. Shown in Expert size on the demo bike of Justin Hailey, the expert Yess fork is made of 7005 aluminum, weighs 410 grams and will retail for under $150. Stock finishes will be matte black and gloss white, but as noted above in-house powder coating allows Yess to do custom frame-fork color pairings.

ANARCHY BMX

BMX racing tends to play “hot-potato” with brand names. A brand may hop between four or five owners over the course of a decade. There are various reasons for this, but generally it involves an acquisition of one company by another, or the previous owner losing it in an all-night poker game after the NORA Cup (ok, maybe not so much the second one–usually it’s not poker).

Smilin Bill Ryan acquired the Anarchy BMX brand when they liquidated their assets in US Bankruptcy Court in 2009-2010. Reinvigorated by Bill’s vision, Anarchy is back for 2012 with a newly-designed frame, and designs on a new base of fans for the circle-A. The way Bill tells it, there will be an Anarchy team, with two pros repping the line. Five sizes will come to market (Expert XL, Pro, Pro XL, Pro XXL and Pro Cruiser), in three colors (“natural,” as shown, gloss black and acid green). The Anarchy avails itself of all the in-house tech know the Supercross BMX shop is known for, and that goes for materials too–with the familiar Easton Taper-wall downtube as the SX Envy, as well as the same head tube and seat mast. Of course, the Anarchy will be its own man, with an all-its-own rear triangle, top tube and optimized geometry. Streeting soon at $399.

SUPERCROSS BMX

While still hangin with Bill, we got some skinny on the weight-loss plan the 2012 Envy will be showin when it hits the track soon. Slimmed-down dropouts, with a stiffer, ovalized seatstay brace, ovalized flare at the junction between the seat mast and the bottom bracket, to allow for more weld area, and some advanced trickery in dialing in all the little details–this year the position of the clip-on brake cable guides was scrutinized and optimized to allow a better path from the lever to the “noodle” out back. Envy will stay at $499 for anodized colors and $549 for the mirror-polish (sunglasses not included).

Down the calendar a few pages, Supercross BMX will also be releasing its SLTi fork–which is the traditional SLT fork we all know and love, but with the addition of an integrated bearing race. The Blur line of frames will keep rollin strong as they have been, but with a re-jiggered 012 color palette (new colors: matte red–which gives you an ano look at a powder price, granny smith apple green, cola brown).

HYPER BICYCLES

After a good showing in WalMart (as BMX racing bikes go) last year, the mass market Donny Robinson bike is back for 2012, with a new paint-scheme which echoes that of the bike Donny will actually be riding (and that he just started talking about on Twitter yesterday). The all-white livery is said to be a silent tribute to dR’s decade-ago Powerlite AA-pro teammate, Mario Soto, who was killed in a motorcycle accident in his prime (at 22 years old) on January 16, 2001.

The 2012 dR replica will still retail for $99, but will be sold exclusively through walmart.com (and can be available for pickup at any local WalMart store in North America within a couple days). This, like the first dR replica, is an impressive starter scoot, and makes an awesome loaner bike at the local track. Think about going in with a buddy or two and donating a couple to your track.

Jud Ciancio, fresh off his NBL title win at this month’s Grand National tells us that we will see a renewed dedication to racing by Hyper in 2012, complete with a redesigned, reengineered frame. Though samples were not available to show in time for Interbike, News will get a gander at them in the coming weeks and post the first photos up for your droolage.

PROFILE RACING

A nice island plot of real estate in the “BMX Zone,” Profile had the full wagon rolled out at Interbike. All the freestyle goodies popular with that crowd, as well as the Elite hubs and classic Profile chromo cranks that racers of all ages put on their Santa list.

This time out, Corey, Gus and the gang had something ExtraSpecialPrimoGood to show: The new Profile Elite Cranks (main photo at top). We first saw these at last year’s Disney Cup under cloak of secrecy, and only after a John Gotti-esque vow of silence. For their first flash before a live audience, the Elites were gussied up in megabuck gold plating for show-goers to ooh and ahh over.

The Elite cranks were designed and prototyped by the hands of Profile Racing founder, Jim Alley–who was the creator of the earlier generations of Profile cranks as well. Awesome to see the long-time innovators of the sport’s favorite products still breaking new ground, 40 years after the first machines were turned on.

As with many new goodies on the racing side, the ABA grands is the target street date for the Elite Cranks, with many of the popular mail order vendors hand-shaking on their initial orders at the show.

On the come-out roll, Profile will release 175 and 180mm, but 160, 165, 170, 172.5, 177, 182 and maybe even 185 will be coming soon after. Street price is still being chewed on, but with indication they will be less than “the main competitor” (who do you s’pose THAT could be). The kit will includes bossless arms, outboard bearing bottom bracket, chromo spindle and four-bolt spider (optional Ti spindle will also be available).

Finishes are still being finalized, but it’s likely there will be a satin-nickel coating, an “ED coating” which has many properties of flat black oxide, and the rest is strictly on a “we’ll see” basis. Gus indicated that these new bad-boys would not be available in the signature “Triple Chrome” as many old schoolers might like to see. This is partially a matter of cost, but also owing to the fact that “show chrome” is not what it used to be. The EPA has imposed strict regulations on the process and materials platers can use, which has a dulling effect on both their business, and the end product.

CONTINUE TO PART II

Rains, Planes and Automobiles

Story and Photos By Mike Carruth

Day Two of the 2011 ABA Hoosier nationals came all-too-early for this reporter. In fact, as I was racing out of Starbucks and onto I-294 breaking the bonds of the 312, the first gate of Sunday racing was on-course.

No biggie, really, because I despise shooting in the rain–refuse to, is more like it–so I would have been just another soggy spectator had I been up at 6AM, as was the plan.

My hysteria about being late subsided as text messages were returned telling of the damp conditions. It was then that it dawned on me that sleeping in my own bed, and heading back to day-two of a national is not a condition I am at all accustomed to…THAT was the “off” thing for me today. Normally, it’s a four-hour flight, or a 10+ hr drive, check in to a hotel and catch-as-catch can for any kind of vegan fare that can be conjured up. But today, it was all the comforts of home–including the alarm clock I have not yet figured out how to use after 16 years (why do laptops last 18 months, and alarm clocks last 18 years?).

Indeed, I have not been to a national within home-sleeping range since Itasca BMX in 1982 (it rained that day too). Oh there have been nats here–at The Hill, and even Imagination Glen, but not since I got back into it in 2008. Rockford is just far enough away–at 94 miles–that a hotel is mandatory on Fathers Day weekend.

DID YOU KNOW…there has not been a BMX race in the Chicago City Limits in 32 years? (“The Great Race” at the Chicago Amphitheater, on the 1979 NBA/Schwinn tour). We need a world-class track in the Windy City-proper!

I rolled up to a grey-but-dry Imagination Glen, just as Justin Posey was taking home a first round win in 17-18x. Seemed like a fair amount of “second-verse, same as the first” happening in the age classes–though that was by no means guaranteed to stick.

The pro class had a little post-haste pow-wow and decided that the threat of rain was…well…threatening, so decided to ditch motos two and three and run the main at the top of the order going into second round. Of course, having just arrived on-scene, I was not clued into that until I noticed no pros gated up for third round. Thus, the final feet of the second lap, when Justin Riddell put the mega move on Andres Holguin in the last turn to win it held a special significance. Jon Jon Rapp was on the right-step for the second day in a row…nice work for a new pro card holder.

In the semis-to-mains break in the action, attention turned to the finish line as ABA past-president Clayton John made a special appearance to honor Imagination Glen/Steel Wheels BMX Track Operator Jackie Altizer. If you go to a lot of nationals, you’ll recognize Jackie’s smiling face as you pick up the weekend’s T-Shirt at racewear in many cities. But we, in the Chicagoland scene, know her as our tireless TO who, along with an all-pro crew of dedicated volunteers, dodge-and-weave the Midwest weather from the outdoor to the indoor (sometimes in the same day ). Taking off my “business” bandanna, and putting on my BMX Dad hat for a moment, it really is a rare gift that we enjoy in the Tri-State (Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin) area. Year-round racing, even when the lake-effect snow is measured in meters, and 20-ton snow plows are doing 360s on I-94 (as on “Young Guns Challenge” day in 010). We love you Jackie, Ken, et. al!

The rain held off in such a fashion that we were getting pretty cocky about the fact we were going to get the whole thing done in-the-dry…”glad that RAIN held off” was a common replacement for “what’s up?” around the fenceline. Well, the object lesson is “don’t tempt Mother Nature.” Literally, as the first main event gate dropped, the sky-drip started.

It wasn’t a torrent, but just enough to make shooting uncomfortable (poor me), and a few riders to ditch the fogged-up goggles on the hill. Somehow, we all soldiered on

The girls classes had some serious “it ain’t over til it’s over” finish line action. Brelyn Swendseid came a micro-knobby away from shoplifting 15G out of the clutches of Shay Glynn at the stripe, but Shay kept her at bay for the win. Then, in 16G, Courtney Purcell put the hurt on Sam Brown just as Dan Rumple made the call. And in the next gate, Tori Hopperdietzel applied the afterburners just in time to best Michele Patterson out of a double. The Grasshopper also doubled up in Cruiser on the weekend for Extreme Team.

One thing I love about National BMX Racing is the fact that from five and under to 41-over, there is riveting racing to revel in. Six expert was a great example of that today, as Liam Elo had a commanding lead from the gate to turn two, when the Jedi, Zak Miller, came a callin. Saturday’s third place was not allowed to repeat, as Miller took the lead just out of turn two, and went wee, wee, weeeee, all the way home (or whatever sound little ‘Monkeys make when they are going all the way home). Elo ended up with the deuce, and it was Texan Kiel Ross for the third.

And that was only the fifth age class gate to fall. Plenty of pushin the limits to come, as it would turn out.

Jump it a few classes, to 8x, and it was on like Donkey Kong between day one topper, Kiegen Perlberg on the Mike’s Bikes Redline ride, and Kohl Piluso in the Hyper colors. Piluso scooted in for a Saturday second, and was not looking to go home with a double deuce. Perlberg led it once again til the final feet, when Kohl mounted a charge and edged past at the stripe. Third and fourth was a deja vu, with Nate Coyman and The G-Man, Gavin Freewalt rounding out the top four. Speaking of “The President,” Coyman also doubled up in 8 Cruiser for the weekend.

Over in 9x and 9C, it was all about Young Gun, Nathan Davids, who scarfed up a Double Double (if you’ll excuse the West Coast caloric reference in this Midwest context).

Bringin’ the heat in 14x, Ryan Zinzow, once again jumped out to an early lead, but Justin Knapper was not about to leave it at that. Out of turn one, he was on-the-gas-to-pass Ryan, and thundered down the second straight with a stretched-out lead, which stuck.

Cooley and Ceslok battled in 15x, with DC getting the day one win, and Big B taking it wire to wire for the day two honors. Chalk up a double for B in 15C as well.

No fight to the front in 16x on Sunday, as Tyler Whitfield put a solid showing in and took it to em for the double-double. But the intrigue isn’t always at the front, as demonstrated by Layne Gainer in the last turn. Hootman was running second to TyWhit, and took the prime line–when on the high-side, Gainer scooped over him and into the two-spot. That was a manly move, considering the carnage seen in that turn through the semis in many-a-class.

Posey posted another win on Sunday in 17-18x. And as to the historical backstory we promised you from yesterday’s report…it was actually a national at The Hill in Elgin, IL about eight years ago that was the thing. It was the 9x main, and seems some joker took that opportunity to holler out “Justin…your tire’s flat” just as the cadence was started. JP did what any nine-year-old would do, and looked down to see what was up….SMACK! went the gate, and all the other guys got out with gusto. I guess that is the BMX equivalent of “Hey, your shoelaces are untied!”–which, of course, is something you only need to learn once. Notwithstanding lessons previously learned, all hecklers were silent on this trip to Chicagoland, and Justin did what Justin does.

If 16x was the nail-biter on Saturday, that designation was firmly held by the 19-27-exers on Sunday. Tony Favata was large and in charge, in true Wrecking Crew fashion down the first straight, and deep into the second…Egdorf was in tucked into the two-spot, if temporarily, and Chase Hines was scanning for some daylight in third. Max made a dramatic move to the outside entering the turn, and we could see a hi-low to glory from a mile away…but the “scanning” that Chase was doing was on radar-lock, and he made the move of the day, going from third to first to come out of turn two on top. For those following at home, mark your scorecards with Max in for the two and Tony for the tre.

The 404 crew was in full effect in 28-25x, and Charlie Hunt was not going to chill with Pats 605 flier Mike Weatherford doing a double on him. Great lap for the Morphine machine, and always good “english” on the bike, making for some prime photos.

Of course 404/ATL cannot be invoked without some due given to 36-40x. Doran Bradshaw doubled up in 36-40 Cruiser, but turned an off-podium fourth in class on day one. As different as the weather was between the two days, so, too, was DB100′s mojo in Sunday’s class main. Dude got it to the front and led it to a nothing-but-daylight trip for the 36-40 win. Long-time legend, Shan Hatfield scooted in for second, and Day One champ Pedro Brown was on the right step.

By the 41-over Ex main, the rain had stopped again, and the sun was making an effort to poke through the thick blanket of upper-strata-blah. Scott Moreland was, again, at max wattage to close it out with a Dan’s Comp double double…but not without an early challenge in Sunday’s class main by holeshotter, Jim Wahl. Wahl was second on Saturday and suffered a small serving of Sunday smackdown by Frank Nuccio who took the day-two-deuce.

(ok to exhale now…)

The crowd was out of the parking lot in a tidy three-hours-and-58-minutes, and headed to nearby MDW or ORD on the flyaway…and some to a local big-box store to snack-up for a double-digit Interstate date. “See you in Chula?” was the goodbye of the day (yes, by the way), and we were home and tuned in to the dreadful Bears game in time for the second half. A profound reminder of why it is so much more enjoyable to watch BMX Racing than mainstream sports. Each gate, you have a new opportunity to root for your favorite “player.” When will the world wake up?

Check out Sunday’s Photo Gallery!

ABA Black Jack Nationals – Reno

While the NBL Grands were underway back in Louisville, the classic ABA Black Jack Nationals were rolling strong in Reno. Both cities will play a solid role in the go-forward national schedule under USA BMX, with the Reno Race being the “ABA” Divisional Championships, and Louisville being the “NBL” Divisional Championships. News will have more on this, and other emerging details of the 2012 season later in the week.

Meanwhile, BMX News contributor Cole Proctor was in Reno, and filed the following story and photos package. Good stuff!

—Mike Carruth

Re-Cap and Photos by Cole Proctor

The talk around the arena was that the track seemed long-ish, “Bro this track is super long, has Reno always been like this?” Yeah it has…I mean, was only 950ft. With the last two indoor nationals being Vegas and Tucson this track seemed like forever. The first straight was technical and fast, with long jumps and steep transitions. The second straight had more flow then the past Reno tracks Lots of mellow rollers in between the doubles. As for the third straight, there was a “Decision maker” Same length as the amateur side, but on the outside and with steeper lips. The question was, Should I go wide and jump the section for the inside? Or should I stay low and close to earth hoping to pull whoever took the gamble of jumping through the section? The last straight was more like dirt jumps, with close, fast transitions and tall lips. This track fit every style of racer.

SATURDAY
Saturday started of with a bang– 207 motos strong–the Black Jack nationals have begun! As racing went on through out the day, the “decision maker” seemed pretty popular with riders 13x – 19-27x.
After a couple dozen semis, it was time for the mains. The A Pro main was one for the books. Napa Valley Crush rider Blake Paulson with his first Pro win and Factory Tangent rider Josh Oie wins enough money to put him over the top, and bump him up to AA. Sean Gaian and Carlie Ferree both locked up wins in the USAC Junior development. And SE Factory flyer, Javier Colombo, won Vet Pro.

As Day One of the Black Jack nationals ended, the night had just begun. Living here in Reno, there was little need for us to go to the Grand Sierra Resort & Casino in years past. But this year I did, and had a blast! It was full of rowdy BMXers, Burning Man “Burners,” Rib Cook-off enthusiasts, and AVID girl Volleyball players. The place was packed! After the race, “Down time” was in effect, but it wasn’t so mellow. With kids and adults alike smashing golf balls at the driving range, racing the go-karts, shooting each other in laser tag. You know there was a lot going on. The night eventually softened and it was time to focus on Sunday’s race.

SUNDAY
Racing ran quick, with an “out-of-the-parking-lot” time of about 2:00PM. But don’t think the action was any less intense–Sunday was jammed with great racing, gate-after-gate. As mains came around, A Pro had everyone on their feet. Jacob Peebles came up on underneath side of Blake Paulson to take over the lead then lost in it the “Decision maker” to Lee Lewis. The ‘Flea’ taking the win in A Pro. Lain Van Ogle blasted Factory Crupi’s Justin Anderson in turn two of 16x to take the win, and in 19-27x KJ Romero tried taking the lead away from reigning number one Am, Josh Klatman, but fell short in the first corner.

The net impression on Sunday’s racing was that everyone was putting in 110%, and it was all-out war to the finish line. Words were exchanged, some tears shed, and hands shaken in sportsmanship. BMX At its finest.

A great Weekend in Reno! A nice, fast track, that had something for everyone, solid comp, and lots of after-race fun. What more could you ask for? The Black Jack Nationals were a success!

Check out the Black Jack Nationals Photo Gallery

Editorial: What Does It Mean To Be Sponsored?

Editor’s Note: Below is Part One of a two-part editorial on what it means to be sponsored in BMX Racing.

There is a link to part two at the bottom of this page

It is nearly time for the annual “marriage season” in the BMX Racing universe–a time when riders pretty up their resumes, and companies get ready for the onslaught of pitches by riders, dedicated BMX mommas, teams and hotshoe dads.

In a sport where nearly everyone–first-round-transfer Novice on up–is rockin a jersey of some stripe, the true motivation of why companies sponsor riders sometimes gets lost in all the bro-deals, co-deals, stickers, swag and wearable billboards emblazoned with “Factory” on them.

Of course, there was a time when donning a “factory” jersey had a specific meaning to it (free bikes, airfare, hotel, food stipend and the loving care of a team manager that was equal parts roadie, friend, mentor, coach, psychologist and ace mechanic). In some circles, this is still the case, but it has become the exception rather than the rule.

In these inflationary times, the factory flava may be watered down a bit, but the role of riders and, in the case of the youguns, also their parents, in the process of promoting a BMX brand is as important as ever. What DO companies expect of their riders, and do they spell that out for their peeps before the first sticker backing is peeled?

Also, with social media now an integral part of our daily lives, what riders (and parents) say on their Facebook and Twitter feeds tends to become permanently linked to the public face of the brands they represent, for better or worse…like it or not.

BMX News posed 10 questions on the over-arching subject of “What does it mean to be sponsored” to a dozen high-placed execs in the world of BMX Racing team management. We received eight comprehensive responses that do an amazing job of giving you an inside look into what companies expect of their riders, and how they evaluate their riders’ performance on and off the track, when it comes to the support they are given. Some had to beg off, due to the tight schedule getting ready for next week’s Interbike trade show in Las Vegas, but we may bring you their responses as an update after the show.

Answering on the record are:
Michael Gamstetter, Marketing Manager – VSI Products (Intense, Speed, Sinz, THE)
Bill Ryan, Owner – Supercross BMX
Dale Holmes, Team Manager – Free Agent
Ryan Birk, Vice President – Answer BMX USA
John Sawyer, Owner – Ssquared Bicycles (and Answer BMX, but responding for Ssquared)
Toby Henderson, Former-COO for VSI Products (answering on his own behalf)
Pete Dylewski, VP of Marketing – BMX Racing Group
Gus Lanzilotta, Team Manager – Profile Racing

THE QUESTIONS:

1). What is your motivation for sponsoring riders?

2). Do you tell them what is expected of them, or do you adopt a “free-form” approach?

3). Do you keep an eye on what your riders are doing to promote your company?

4). Do you feel what a sponsored rider posts on his/her Facebook and Twitter is a direct reflection on your brand?

5). What is more important: Race results or the rider’s initiative in promoting your company? (can someone who had a bad season still keep their ride if s/he makes the effort to be a good “brand ambassador?”)

(Questions that appear in Part Two)

6). What should a rider do to be an outstanding brand ambassador?

7). What can a rider do to be a poor brand ambassador?

8). How important is “podium presence” for riders who have podium presentations?

9). How much of a factor are parents in your decision to sponsor or not sponsor a rider?

10). What is the best way for a rider to get noticed by you for a sponsorship (break it in to “Co-Sponsor” and “Factory” if you have such a thing).

COMPANY RESPONSES

Note: Where a representative did not respond to a question, their name is left off.

1). What is your motivation for sponsoring riders?

Michael Gamstetter: To some it may sound crass, but sponsoring a person, a team or event is all about business. In other words, sponsorship is about selling more stuff. Ultimately, more than “just business” may go into the final decision. Things like relationship building, friendship, lending a helping hand, charity, etc., can play a role, but in general the hope is that by working with a particular rider or team, you can build your brand image and sell more product.

Bill Ryan: The reason we sponsor riders is for promotional and research and development reasons. They are good will ambassadors at the local and national tracks, testing and proving the products worth and quality.

Dale Holmes: I scout good riders with a positive attitude both on and off the track that gain visibility for our sponsors and also our team.

Ryan Birk: Sponsorship or co-sponsorship for us, and any company I guess, would be for mobile advertising of the brand and products the company makes/sells.

Therefore, our motivation is image-driven. We want to associate our brand with teams and pros that promote themselves in the same light and image that we want our brand to portray. We select the teams and riders we sponsor with the idea that image is more important than results in the long run. Of course, it helps to have our product associated with the fastest riders and teams, but the #1 guy doesn’t always equal the image that people necessarily like or cheer for on the track. I have always had the mentality to sponsor “people of influence” as opposed to just the guy that wins all the time that nobody likes. And in BMX racing, more times than not, thankfully, I’ve been lucky enough to work with “people of influence” that are also champions.

John Sawyer: Two things: helping that rider be able to do more, get to more races, and (2) for the riders to help the company build its image and brand-recognition.

Toby Henderson: Exposure good or bad. Hopefully good

Pete Dylewski: We really like to give back to the sport and support riders and teams.

Gus Lanzilotta: To promote the company brand and products.

2). Do you tell them what is expected of them, or do you adopt a “free-form” approach?

Michael Gamstetter: A little of both. It all depends on what we expect out of the deal and who big the deal is. I plan to outline things in more detail next year with everyone. The “free-form” approach doesn’t really work very well if you hope to control your brand identity and image.

Bill Ryan: It is pretty free-form, after the expectations have been explained. All of the riders know what is expected of them and, from there, it is pretty open. Some go the extra mile, while others do the bare-minimum. Sounds stupid, but I think of that part of the movie “Office Space” where 12 pcs of “Flair” is minimum, but you can have more. Hope we are not like some stupid burger chain, but I think the riders and team know what is involved.

Dale Holmes: Yes, to a certain extent I state what’s expected. Some riders get it and you don’t have to grill them on what you’re looking for. When Maris arrived in the US from Europe, he stepped off the plane already “getting it,” and knew exactly what was expected both on and off the track. I think he has demonstrated to everyone that he’s not only a winner on the track but a class act off the track as well.

Ryan Birk: With our co-sponsored teams and riders, there is a list of guidelines that they are given and sign that outlines what is expected of them. With some of the Pros that we support with product, it’s just an understood mentality of what is expected of them to fully represent our product. And that is, only riding our agreed upon product, listing Answer BMX as a co-sponsor, providing us with product feedback, and promoting the brand and product to other racers or parents with knowledge of the product when asked. I’d like to hope that our pro-level sponsored riders can give correct and detailed answers about our product when asked by someone, and not just say “cause it’s the best” because they are getting product for free.

Plus, I think we’ve done a pretty good job partnering with teams and pros that are excellent spokespeople for all of their sponsors, us included. It all goes back to my underlying philosophy that image is more important than results when it comes to promoting a brand/product.

John Sawyer: No, I have not laid that out. Being new at this, I have sat back a bit and took it all in–and still do. I watch other teams and riders, as well as ours, and am working to figure out what works and what doesn’t. I do plan on having that for at least the older riders for next year, just tweaking a few things.

I do not run team sheets or worry about that, as this is their race…mine is getting to the track, so I don’t see any need to put more pressure on them.

Toby Henderson: There are definitely rules for my riders. Getting them to follow is another story. In my opinion you do not have to win every race, but being professional is key. Wanna make the big bucks?? Act like it.

Pete Dylewski: For riders that we pay, we do have a contract with some loose guidelines but, for the most part, riders that we work with get it and don’t need to be told what to do.

Gus Lanzilotta: Both. I tell the riders what I expect, and I also remind them the reason they love BMX and what got them onto the team.

3). Do you keep an eye on what your riders are doing to promote your company?

Michael Gamstetter: Yes. I follow just about everyone on Facebook, watch the races, look for them in magazines, popular websites, check Twitter, etc.

Bill Ryan: Very much so, if we didn’t, why would we be sponsoring in the style and manner we do. Some teams only want results, but we don’t run team sheets or do anything in that manner, so the way that the riders promote and the extras they do for the company (Brand) is always looked at.

Dale Holmes: Yes, I do. It goes without saying that both our sponsors and myself really like it when they go the extra mile. I feel in today’s world you cannot succeed by just being a racer. I’ve learned from my own experiences, and watching others, that riders make themselves much more valuable all around when they go the extra mile…go out of their way to positively promote themselves.

Ryan Birk: We certainly try to, and with today’s mobile media options, we can stay pretty up to date with what our teams and riders are doing, just by staying on the Internet. Natarsha, Answer BMX’s sponsorship manager, requires regular race reports/updates from teams and riders. And we’ve been fortunate to work with good teams and riders that are constantly asking us what they can do to help us promote, so that makes it easier for us.

John Sawyer: Yes, even more so now that Answer and Ssquared are under one roof.

Toby Henderson: Yes, of course, or it is a waste of money.

Pete Dylewski: Yes, I like to see what the riders do on and off the track and see how they provide further exposure, other than racing.

Gus Lanzilotta: Absolutely! Promoting the company that he or she races for is the one of most important aspects of their sponsorship.

4). Do you feel what a sponsored rider posts on his/her Facebook and Twitter is a direct reflection on your brand?

Michael Gamstetter: It can be, but not always. I think it depends on how BMX-focused the pages and Tweets are. Some of our sponsored riders have Fan pages on Facebook and those are pretty much all about their own image and BMX. What they put there can definitely reflect on the brand. The good news is, when someone creates a fan page, they do so because they have a boatload of fans. And from what I’ve seen from our pros, when they are smart enough to have a Fan page, they are smart enough to protect their image (and ours).

Bill Ryan: Unfortunately yes. We have had many instances where we have had phone calls or been approached at the events about what someone may have posted or said on their Facebook and/or Twitter. I try to let the riders be themselves, and as long as it isn’t completely vulgar or out of line, I usually let it slide.

That said, I think, sometimes, people forget that once you post something up, it is not going to go away, even if they delete it– followers Re-Tweet, and search engines index posts, and it becomes permanent. So while some people really want to police it and have it be absolutely PC at all times, we all have to understand that no one is perfect and that people have different senses of humor or levels of tolerance, and that it really is a part of who they are as a person– which is part of why we sponsor them. But it can also be a reason not to sponsor a rider regardless of how good they are on the track.

Dale Holmes: In short, it can be. Social Networking is everywhere these days as we all know. While the guys also have their personal business on their Facebook and Twitter pages, my interest lies in ensuring they make regular posts on recent races and issues facing the industry. Our sponsors follow our riders on social media, so let’s be honest– nothing is really private these days– and I think most of our guys and gals get that.

Again, the poster child, Maris Strombergs, gets it, while Kyle Bennett and Cristian Becerine get the nudge from time to time but have gotten a lot better. Stephen Larralde is also one of our riders that’s a great self-promoter with frequent updates. In my opinion, I think most people associate their respective pages with the people themselves and while we keep an eye on it, our guys strike a great balance of both business with personal, so not much policing is necessary.

Ryan Birk: I think first and foremost, the posts have a direct reflection on the rider as a person and how they are perceived– but if it’s negative, of course it can cast a bad light on the sponsor as well. Likewise, if the sponsored rider is doing positive things and posting positive things about your brand or product, their followers and fans can be influenced to use and support our brand. And once again, it all goes back to associating our brand with riders and teams that portray the image and character that we want Answer BMX to portray. I would hope that most pro-level racers have enough common sense to know that posting negative or damaging posts online would cast a bad light on them personally and have damaging effects on their current sponsor status, as well as possibly affecting future sponsorship opportunities.

John Sawyer: Yes, in fact I was thinking about that driving back from Louisville Sunday night–why not have the older riders have a fan page that is all business and then their personal one that doesn’t have all the “unknown“ friends. This way, that they can be themselves, and still represent themselves and their sponsors professionally. At the end of the day, they have to live their lives outside of BMX–and as much as I really don’t care for FB personally, it is a HUGE part of life right now and they are still young and that is what they do.

Toby Henderson: 110% – see #2

Pete Dylewski: Yes and no. When you work with a Pro rider, you are not only promoting the on track performance, but you are saying to consumers, this athlete, as a person, is someone we want to showcase–their image and personality, as well as on-track performance. So a rider needs to be mindful of that.

Gus Lanzilotta: Yes and no. I believe the riders should act in a professional manner at all times. They represent the companies (and themselves) at all times on and off the track.

5). What is more important: Race results, or the rider’s initiative in promoting your company? (can someone who had a bad season still keep their ride if s/he makes the effort to be a good “brand ambassador?”)

Michael Gamstetter: The latter. Results are icing on the cake. There is no proof that winning races or being fast sells bikes. I’ll sponsor riders who have mediocre results, but who have a strong following, or who are exciting to watch on the track, or who are simply looked up to by the kids at their local track. Being a great self-promoter, knowing how to get press or being loved by the press, doing community service/outreach, regularly working with the local kids, etc. may be more important than getting on the podium.

Bill Ryan: When we sponsor a rider, it is for them to be a brand ambassador, that is more important than race results. A rider can definitely have a bad season and remain a part of the program. A perfect example is Jeremy Rommel, last year ( 2009 ) he had double elbow surgery, and caught a staph infection. He was out all year and had no results to speak of, but he is a great person, and brand ambassador and we believe in him. This year, he is healed up and has been on a tear, doubled in Salt Lake, won a day in Tucson, had some great racing in Vegas, the kid has been on it. But bottom line–he is a great ambassador of our brand.

Dale Holmes: Equal parts of both are important. It’s not all about winning, while it does help, but our sponsors respect our riders that are out there at the local level taking part in clinics and giving back. That’s an important piece for us at Free Agent / Rockstar, we encourage all of our riders to give back and support local tracks and kids at the grassroots level of BMX racing. We all started there at some point and we all need to go back there from time to time. Free Agent and Rockstar are both incredibly loyal companies. We are one of the few that stands behind our riders despite injuries or life circumstances. We’re in it to win, but to win on and off the track.

Ryan Birk: I think this depends on whether we are talking about a title sponsor/Factory ride, versus a product co-sponsor deal. As I said above, image and being a “person of influence” is ultimately more important than results. But say you raced for Factory ABC bike brand in 2010 and were a podium threat every race, then signed with Factory XYZ bike brand for 2011 and you’re getting moto’d, people can start saying, it’s the XYZ bike that must suck and that’s why he’s struggling. That can hurt a brands reputation and, sadly, have more impact than if the same racer switched and started winning everything.

For us at Answer BMX as a component co-sponsor and not a full Factory title sponsor for anybody, being a brand ambassador is more important than results and even if they have a bad year but still do all they can to promote Answer as a co-sponsor, I will continue to support that rider. Now, if that rider is struggling with results and NOT doing the things that made us want to work with them in the first place, then I would have to consider cutting ties with that rider at the end of the year. I’ve been very fortunate in my 15 years of dealing with sponsorship that I’ve only had to have those kind of meetings a few times.

John Sawyer: 100% rider attitude in talking with people about the product and especially with the kids when they have questions for the older riders/pros and/or want autographs from them.

Toby Henderson: Ha ha sorry I got ahead of the questions but yes. Exposure is what we want. There is no official way to put a price on exposure but exposure is what gets us sales–or least should, if all of the company’s other components are in place. Winning races gets exposure but exposure comes in many forms on and OFF the track.

Pete Dylewski: Of course you want the all around rider, but exposure and promotion can be obtained a lot easier than results, when the Pro Class is as difficult as it is today. As a sponsor, you want the rider to be able to do both in a given season, and not just be an “Online Pro”

Gus Lanzilotta: I think if a rider has a bad season you can’t give up on them. As a team manager you need to remember the reasons why you picked that rider to be on your team in the first place and provide them the support they need to have a better season the following year.

Continue to Part Two

Meanwhile, the discussion of the above is underway on VintageBMX.com. Come join in with your opinions and experiences.

“This Space For Rent” T-Shirt (pictured above) for sale on Zazzle.com

Ceramic Bearings: Peak Performance, for a Price

Long a staple in the road and mountain bike worlds, ceramic bearings are making their way from the exotic world of the BMX pros and “no-limit” deep-pocket-dads, to the slightly thicker atmosphere of rank & file racers. As BMXNEWS started to hear more and more about ceramics in the pits and cookouts of recent nationals, we felt this would be a great time to do an episode of Announcers Tower on this topic. Matt Speer, president of F1 Ceramic Bearings has been rollin’ steady in the ceramics business since 2003, and has products for BMX, skateboarding and the traditional line of MTB and Road.

In the interview, Matt talks about how athletes can expect to get more performance out of the watts they are laying down to the pedals, due to the lower resistance offered by the rounder (by a factor of five) ceramic ball bearings, versus steel. You may remember that “watts” were a measure we discussed in a previous episode of AT, when we were joined by George Costa of Rennen Design Group. In that discussion, George talked about how G-Cog measures watts and allows trainers and athletes to make comparisons. Sounds like a marriage made in heaven.

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Becerine Bests 55 Elites In Full Workday

Today’s race could best be described as “sharp.” Not only were the motos ticked off at a healthy 100-105 moto per hour clip, but the race began and ended “on the sharps.” At no earlier, no later, than 11:30 AM, the first gate was dropped…and the final main crossed the line at, literally 7:59PM…so yes, it was a full workday (including a regulation-though imaginary-30-minute lunch) for 274 motos worth of riders.

View the Saturday Photo Gallery

ABA Winternats: Talent Zooms as Storms Loom

On the heels of yesterdays post, where we talked about the events leading up to the big day, today was akin to the moments just after the Space Shuttle lights ‘em up and begins to shake, rattle and roll up the tower. Not quite calling “Liftoff” just yet, the 2010 ABA Winternationals held its organized practice and pre-race today. And not unlike the stars arriving 300 miles away in Hollywood, a constellation of BMX stars unlike any other this year has turned out to uphold the long-standing tradition that holds “it ain’t a season until the Winters.”

In addition to top-hand American elites, Phoenix is playing host to contingents from the Netherlands, the UK, South Africa, France, Japan and even a Canadian or three. Mike Fields made a great point in his Vintage post earlier this evening when he noted that the pro turnout was thick enough to cause a 15-minute delay in getting through staging to get another gate in practice. Granted, it was mingled in with JR. Devo types, but still… Also on hand are a slew of dirt jumper stars who trekked down in the Vans rig. .

Mike Day and Khalen Young are in town—two blokes we have not yet seen in the new decade. Check out the newest episode of the Announcers Tower Podcast where Mike talks about his ongoing back injury, and long-term plans for London 2012.

GT and Free Agent are suited up in new jerseys, making it extra fun to try and pick them out of the crowd. Known no-shows thus far include Injured-reservists David Herman (nursing a hip fracture), and Jason Rogers.

A healthy 97 motos in the pre-race today, which Mike Fields says foretells a 280+ moto Saturday (I think the formula is suspended for this race, due to “special circumstances” of added foriegn participation and everyone wanting to escape colder days in their zip code (present company included).

No GO211 this weekend in Phoenix, so you’re going to have to kick it mid-school and get your news from us. We will be posting nightly updates here, as well as photo galleries on BMXNOW.COM. Also, follow BMXNOW on twitter for as-they-happen-updates from the infield. Speaking of the infield, there is an 80% chance of rain Sunday, so providing there IS an infield and a place to stand, we’ll be reporting from there Sunday as well. There was talk of the weather, but it did nothing to dampen spirits in the pits.

Photos will be posted by lights out both days. Speaking of photos, here is an appetizer course of photo-ala-moto from Friday’s pit stroll and pro practice. Enjoy!

Curtain Up on Winter Nats as Sun Goes Down

If you have never rolled into town for a big national on Thursday, you need to do that sometime. The energy of roadies readying a rock concert, crossed with the circus being in town, coupled with a tent revival would just about equal the vibe around Black Mountain BMX today. A steady, red-carpet-like arrival of wrapped rigs filed in, tents were hoisted, and the rare Olympian from a foriegn land walked the track during the obligatory pre-race grooming. Arriving on Wednesday evening, hotels are as they are any other day of the year, a revolving door of corporate folk coming back from one meeting, and on the way to the next. But Thursday…Thursday evening you start to see groms zipping about in the parking lot, and the license plates in the lot start to take on a “national” flavor (British Columbia was the furthest tonight, but not confirmed to be BMX).

Standing on the starting hill this evening at sunset, everything was possible, nothing assured, and the spread between the two is where the magic lives. Reading that back, it sounds incredibly corny, we realize. But if you were there, you’d understand.

BMXNEWS will be reporting from Phoenix all weekend long, with photos posted nightly on BMXNOW.COM. Follow BMXNOW on Twitter for as-they-happen updates on race day.

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